September in Paris 2024
All you need to know and the best things to do in Paris in September 2024.
Are you visiting Paris in September 2024? September is a wonderful month to visit Paris, if not the most beautiful! September in Paris is the end of the summer – the beginning of fall – but it is still warm enough for enjoying al fresco dinners, drinks on a terrace, and other great outdoor activities.
If you are looking for a full Paris sightseeing and dining experience, visiting Paris in September is a great choice! In September, food and wine events are back in Paris, and they are a fun way to learn more about the local cuisine and taste new things.
So what is Paris like in September? Keep reading for what to do in Paris in September, the main events in Paris September 2024, and my top tips for getting the most out of your time in the French capital.
Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?
If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, we’ve got you covered! Below are our must-guides, top tours, hotels, and more:
» Plan: Paris Travel Planner; Paris Arrondissements Guide; Check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists
» Book your flight tickets with Omio; book your train tickets with Omio
Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups.
» Where to Stay: Best Districts to Stay in Paris
- Le Pavillon de la Reine (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
- Hotel La Comtesse (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
- Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)
» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:
- Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
- Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
- Seine River Night Cruise
- Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas
Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris? Get your hands on a Paris Museum Pass!
» Don’t leave without travel insurance! Compare plans and prices amongst the world’s leading programs with Travel Insurance Master
Table of Contents:
- Is Paris Busy in September? Crowds Forecast
- Paris Weather in September
- What to Wear in Paris in September 2024
- Best Tips for Visiting Paris in September 2024
- Best Things to Do in Paris in September 2024 (and Events in Paris, September 2024)
- Where to Stay in Paris in September
Related content
Is Paris Busy in September? Crowds Forecast
Is September a good time to visit Paris to avoid crowds? Although September is still the high season in Paris, it does not see the crowds of July and August.
But more than ever, people with flexible working schedules delay their summer holidays to September to enjoy the city without the oppressively hot days of summer. This means that if you decide to visit Paris in September, you won’t be alone.
This year, Paris in September will be more crowded than usual due to the Paralympic Games 2024, which will be held from Wednesday, 28 August, to Sunday, 8 September 2024. Also, expect restrictions to circulate in the areas close to the main venues.
So for September 2024, it is paramount to book accommodation and tickets to main attractions well in advance. Basically, once you decide to come to Paris and have your train or flight tickets, book all these things the second after!
Below I list the main Paris attractions you will need advance tickets for and have added links to my favorite trusty providers for your convenience.
Paris Weather in September
In Paris, September is a month of transition, even if it feels more like summer than fall. If you visit Paris in early September, expect dry and sunny days. The average temperature in Paris in September is 21C maximum and 13C minimum, with an 11% probability of rainfall.
In Paris in late September, the temperatures get cooler, but it is still pleasant to explore and sit outside on a terrace.
What to Wear in Paris in September 2024
What to wear in Paris in September? September is mostly a summer month in Paris. However, the temperatures get cooler as the month progresses.
During the day, especially at the start of the month, you are likely to be fine in short sleeves and sandals, but later in the evening, you will be happy to have an extra layer and closed shoes.
What to pack for Paris in September? Here’s the ultimate guide to packing for Paris in September with comfortable and stylish clothes. If you need ideas on how to combine things to blend in with locals, check out our Fall /Winter style guides for men and women.
Best Tips for Visiting Paris in September 2024
If you are visiting Paris for the first time and plan on visiting many tourist sights, consider purchasing a Paris tourist pass to save time and money. The Paris Museum Pass is the most popular, but it’s not the only option. Check out this Paris Pass Comparison to find the best tourist pass for you.
Alternatively, buy skip-the-line tickets or combo tickets for the top tourist attractions – these are the best combos and ticket deals.
With the Paralympics in Paris, prices in bars and restaurants will be higher than usual, especially in the center. Avoid the most touristy Arrondissements and book in advance to save money.
September is “la rentrée” in Paris – when locals go back to work or school after the summer holidays. Avoid the peak hours in the Parisian metro for a more comfortable journey for everybody, without crowds.
After a quiet month of August, la rentrée also means the first transportation strikes in Paris and France of the season. Check out if there’s anything strange in this Paris strike calendar for the days of your trip.
Need travel insurance for France? Be sure to check rates and coverage with my recommended provider, SafetyWing. SafetyWing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). SafetyWing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.
Best Things to Do in Paris in September 2024 (and Events in Paris September 2024)
If you visit Paris in September for the first time, you may want to tick some of Paris’s top tourist attractions off your bucket list. The itineraries below are thought for this, and they are planned around the main sights and the most popular neighborhoods in Paris:
- 1 day in Paris
- 2 days in Paris
- 3 days in Paris
- 4 days in Paris
- 5 days in Paris
- 6 days in Paris
- 7 days in Paris
Combine these itineraries with this list of the best things to do in September in Paris 2024: seasonal activities in Paris in September and temporary exhibitions with something for everyone.
ENJOY THE LAST DAYS OF THE ROOFTOP BARS IN PARIS
Enjoy your favorite drink from the best rooftop bars in Paris before they close until next summer. See Paris from above and how – little by little – the city changes colors.
Some of the best rooftop bars are located on the top of hotels, but they are also open to non-guests.
DON’T MISS THE MUSICAL FOUNTAINS OF VERSAILLES
The Gardens of Versailles are always a good idea, especially when the fountains are running! September is one of the best months to visit Versailles Gardens because it is still warm and sunny but not too hot, there are fewer crowds, and the Fountains of Versailles are still running.
If you visit Paris in September, the Musical Gardens Show (without the fountains running) usually takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, while the Musical Fountains Show usually takes place on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. You can visit any of the Versailles Gardens shows alone (without the Château) or buy a combined ticket to the Château of Versailles and Gardens to save time and money – Click here to buy your tickets to Château de Versailles & Garden Show
On weekends and holidays, the Night Fountains Show closes the day with spectacular fireworks. For the Versailles show dates and Versailles Fountains schedule, check out this quick guide to the Fountains of Versailles.
The Versailles Estate is huge, with lots of fun things to do. If you don’t know how to organize your Versailles trip, I tell you everything in this guide to Versailles.
LEARN ABOUT FRENCH WINES (AND TRY SOME GOOD ONES!)
September is a great month for wine tasting in Paris. French wines are world-famous, and many wine regions around the country produce excellent reds, whites, and rosés.
Learn about wine in France and the wine regions near Paris by joining a wine tour or wine-tasting experience. Paris has a wide offer of wine tours and workshops run by expert sommeliers, and it’s a great way to share your passion for wine with other wine lovers and learn how to identify the best French wines.
If you are looking for some ideas, this Wine Tasting Class with Sommelier always has good reviews. Some workshops like to pair wines, and if you like the idea, opt for this Wine and Cheese tasting workshop or this fun Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience.
EXPLORE PARIS BY BIKE
Paris by bike is always a good idea (I always recommend it!), but if you can tour the city without sweating like a chicken, then it’s cool and also chic 😉
Check out this Paris by Bike Quick Guide to learn how to navigate the city on two wheels and for the best bike tours covering Paris. If you are interested in exploring beyond Paris, you can do Versailles by bike or this trail along Canal de l’Ourcq.
ENJOY A SEINE RIVER DINNER CRUISE
Cruises along the Seine River are available all year, but they are less fun when the Paris sky is grey and gloomy.
Sail along “Paris’ most beautiful avenue” at sunset while enjoying an apéritif or a delicious dinner and admire the historical monuments when they lit up: the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, and more.
Read about the best Seine river cruises in Paris to find the perfect river cruise for you. If you can’t decide, this gourmet dinner cruise with live music always has excellent reviews.
VISIT THE SMALL TOWNS NEAR PARIS
There’s always something to see in Paris, but there are some days when you want a slower pace. Thankfully, the surroundings of Paris boast some incredible small towns worth a day trip. After the summer holidays, these towns come to life in September, especially on the weekend with day-trippers.
Where to go for a day out of Paris? Provins is a pretty medieval town very easy to reach by train whilst Chantilly is famous for the Horse Museum and picturesque castle. If you want to get the most out of your day outside Paris, this guided tour to Giverny Gardens and Auvers-sur-Oise explores two beautiful places that inspired Monet and Vincent Van Gogh.
GET CULTURED DURING THE JOURNÉES DU PATRIMOINE (HERITAGE DAYS)
Les Journées du Patrimoine (the Heritage Days) is one of the main cultural events in Paris in September. During one weekend (this year, on 21-22 September 2024), most of the museums and attractions in Paris are open to visitors for free, and some of them offer guided visits, debates, small concerts, and other performances.
As you can imagine, the most famous museums have the longest lines. Instead, we recommend looking for hidden gems – unknown places usually closed to the public – that have short or no lines. For example, the embassies or important banks’ headquarters are spectacular buildings (usually former private mansions) that are richly decorated and can only be visited during this special event.
EXPLORE THE GARDENS OF PARIS DIFFERENTLY
Exploring the parks and gardens of the city is always one of the best things to do in Paris in September. Paris has many beautiful gardens, and there is no time like the end of summer / early autumn to enjoy them.
For grand and beautiful, check out the Tuileries Garden, the oldest urban park in Paris, with a fascinating history. If you want to do something different, try this self-guided scavenger hunt to learn more about the Tuileries Garden’s history whilst having fun.
On the Seine’s Left Bank, the Jardin des Plantes and the Luxembourg Gardens are also lovely places for a stroll. The most adventurous will have fun exploring the Luxembourg Gardens with this self-guided treasure hunt.
WALK ON THE RAILS FOLLOWING THE PETITE CEINTURE
La Petite Ceinture was a 32 km railroad line that circumnavigated Paris and developed from 1852 to 1869. La Petite Ceinture worked until the 70s, when due to the metro’s growing popularity, it fell into disuse and was disaffected. After many years of total abandonment, the city recovered some sections and turned them into green, urban spaces perfect for a stroll.
If you like to explore hidden places in Paris and the romance of abandonment, check out my guide to La Petite Ceinture and choose your favorite section to explore. I recommend the section of Paris 15, but in the end, all the sections all beautiful!
TOTAL JAZZ IN PARIS
Every year, the Festival Jazz à La Villette is a grand “Rendez-Vous” for jazz lovers. It is hosted by La Philharmonie de Paris and La Villette (Paris 19) and always has an interesting music program with the most innovative creators in all jazz styles.
This year, the festival starts on TBD and ends on TBD 2024. The full program is available on La Villette’s website.
If you visit Paris in early September, you can also enjoy the last days of the Paris Jazz Festival at Parc Floral (until 8 September 2024). The full program is available here.
CELEBRATE THE GARDENS AND PARKS OF PARIS AT LA FÊTE DES JARDINS 2024
This year, la Fête des Jardins (Gardens Festival) takes place from TBD to TBD September 2024, and it’s the perfect time to discover the most beautiful gardens in Paris! Expect more than 400 free activities for all the family in the parks, woods, and public and private gardens of Paris and Ile-de-France.
Like Heritage Days, this “green weekend” is a good opportunity to access gardens that are usually closed to the public.
CHECK OUT THE TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS IN SEPTEMBER IN PARIS 2024
If you are a frequent Paris traveler, perhaps you feel like visiting one of the top exhibitions in Paris during your stay. Here’s the list of the best temporary exhibitions in museums and galleries for Paris September 2024. There’s not much information for September yet, so keep on clicking for the latest updates!
Mexica: Offerings and Gods at the Templo Mayor – Musée du Quai Branly, from 3 April to 8 September 2024
The World as It Is – Bourse du Commerce, from 20 March to 2 September 2024
The Egypt of the Pharaohs, from Cheops to Ramses II – Atelier des Lumières, from 9 February 2024 to 5 January 2025
The Orientalists: Ingres, Délacroix, Gérôme… – Atelier des Lumières, from 9 February 2024 to 5 January 2025
Immersive Experience “Aura Invalides” – Musée de l’Armée, from 22 Septembre 2023 to 31 December 2024
NEED MORE IDEAS FOR YOUR VISIT TO PARIS IN SEPTEMBER 2024?
For more things to do, check out this post about the best events and festivals in Paris this year. You can also have a look at my posts about Paris in August, Paris in October, and perhaps also Paris in November. Some of the activities proposed for these months are also good for September.
Where to Stay in Paris in September
As you make your bed, so you lie. Find the right accommodation in Paris – whether it’s a hotel or guesthouse, holiday apartment, or private apartment – I have them all! Book your accommodation by using the interactive map below.
September can still be hot, and one of the best ways to deal with it is to mix sightseeing with a refreshing break at your hotel pool. Here’s the list of the best hotels with a pool in Paris that aren’t just limited to 5-star hotels.
Booking.com is our recommended site for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of hotels of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.
WAKE UP WITH AN EIFFEL TOWER VIEW
If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up at an amazing hotel with an Eiffel Tower view? Some of the best hotels in Paris also come with awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful during its night show! – Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
HOTELS AT SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS
The neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, on the Left Bank, is a great place to put your luggage down in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is picturesque and central, with many entertainment, beautiful cafes, and restaurant options – Click here for the best hotels in Saint-Germain
- Relais Christine (4-star hotel in a 16th-century private mansion)
- Hotel Chaplain Paris Rive Gauche (mid-range hotel a few meters from Luxembourg Gardens)
HOTELS IN THE LOUVRE DISTRICT
If you prefer to stay in the Right Bank, the Louvre District is a good option. Stay close to the Louvre Museum, the Seine River, and the Tuileries Gardens in a lively area with many bars and restaurants nearby – Click here for the best hotels near the Louvre
- Hotel Paris Louvre Opera (mid-range hotel in a lively area with many choices for dining out)
- Hotel Regina (5-star hotel, only a few steps from the Louvre and Tuileries Garden)
And there you have it – what to do in Paris in September 2024 and seasonal events to help you plan your trip to Paris. Bon voyage!
